Owatonna, MN, High School Prioritizes Career Readiness

The city’s new educational facility teaches students the necessary skills to contribute to the workforce.

By Teree Caruthers on February 8, 2024

In the heart of Owatonna, MN, a groundbreaking educational facility stands tall, representing not just a school but a visionary approach to workforce development. The new 317,000-square-foot Owatonna High School, which opened in 2023, is a beacon of innovation with state-of-the-art equipment and learning spaces that help ensure every student who walks its halls emerges with the skills they need to contribute to the workforce. Ahead, find out how this Owatonna, MN, high school prioritizes career readiness.

CreditPhoto Courtesy of: Owatonna High School

CreditPhoto: Courtesy of Owatonna High School

Investing in the Future of Owatonna, MN

“The new high school was built because we determined that the facilities in the old high school did not meet our students’ needs for 21st-century learning, and it was no longer relevant or reliable when it came to servicing students, particularly in the skilled trades training,” says Jeff Elstad, superintendent of Owatonna Public Schools. “Plus, the old building’s heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing and other systems were failing, which led the community to the ultimate decision to build a new high school.”

Designed with a culinary lab, fabrication lab, nursing classroom and other collaborative spaces, the high school was built to meet the needs of students and employ new, innovative ways of teaching. The school also boasts two gymnasiums, an indoor walking track, multiple outdoor sports fields and an ultramodern weight room funded by Life Fitness.

“We have numerous flex spaces and classrooms that allow students countless ways to engage with their learning,” says Kory Kath, Owatonna High School principal. “We also have incredible physical education and arts spaces that showcase the talents of our students.”

Elstad says the building’s open design and use of natural light has changed the overall mood.

“We’re seeing a much calmer environment that is college-like, with students going about their day and getting their business done,” Elstad says. “Every space in the building is a learning space, and our hallways are not long corridors with lockers on both sides but instead have small tables, places to meet and booths to gather in. Our classrooms are set up very collaboratively. There are nearly no individual desks in the building. Instead, there are a lot of tables and a lot of integrated technology to make it easier for student presentations. It’s very similar to what they would see in an office or other workplace.”

Owatonna, MN, Students Have Access to Career Pathways

One of Owatonna High School’s standout features is its unique approach to education through specialized career pathways. Carefully crafted to cater to diverse talents and interests as well as the needs of local businesses, these pathways include fields such as nursing, firefighter training and culinary instruction. Students enrolled in the nursing pathway, for example, can graduate with a certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification.

“We have implemented a career pathways program that gives all students the opportunity to explore fields of study connected to in-demand careers,” Kath says. “Students have first-hand experiences that will lead them to the next stage of their lives within a career, ongoing education or the armed services.”

CreditPhoto Courtesy of: Owatonna High School

Kath says the success of Owatonna High School is measured in both academic achievements and the collaborative spirit between the school and local business community. In fact, donations from companies helped fund the school’s construction and build a bridge between education and industry. The involvement of businesses in shaping curriculum, providing internships and mentoring students reflects a shared commitment to nurturing a skilled and motivated workforce for the future.

Owatonna, MN, Partners with Industry Experts

Elstad says this relationship between the school and business community gives students a major advantage when it comes to career readiness.

“We are very fortunate that we had a huge business partnership, not only in the financial boon but also in their ideas about how we integrate career pathways into our spaces,” he says. “We spent time with industry experts in welding and in construction trades and in some of our other skilled trades to identify things like necessary equipment so when students leave here, they can go into the workplace prepared to work on similar equipment.”

For example, he notes that students can work toward their CNA and licensed practical nurse (LPN) certifications or take emergency medical technician and firefighting courses – all of which better prepare them to enter those fields.

Owatonna’s vibrant community spirit and dedication to the development of every student make Owatonna Public Schools an attractive choice for local and relocating families.

“One thing that just sets our entire school district apart is our community pride and the pride in the education of our students,” Elstad says. “Over the past 10 years, the community has invested nearly $200 million in facility updates. That’s a big chunk of change. But that demonstrates that the community cares about our children, our staff and the facilities where our children learn.”

Click here for more information about how Owatonna is making a difference in its community.

This article was sponsored by the Owatonna Partners for Economic Development.